Debra Sue May

Debra Sue May passed away shortly after sunrise on Mother’s Day. She was 65. She was steadfast in her walk with the Lord, who gave her strength through sickness she battled her entire life. Debbie was an overcomer. She fought a rare papilloma since childhood. As an adult, she conquered breast cancer and lymphoma. Her faith through it all was relentless. She died from leukemia surrounded by family at the University of Maryland Hospital on May 9. Debbie was born in Winter Haven, Florida. After graduating high school in 1974, she became a bookkeeper for her family’s canning business, Roberts Brothers. About 14 years later, she married the love of her life, Jonathan, who faithfully supported her in the 32 years they were married. They built a life together in New Freedom. She was also a devoted mother to her only daughter Ashley. The two had an unbreakable bond. That bond grew stronger when Ashley married her husband Curtis Alban and had children of her own, Aiden, 4, and Avery, 1. She was overjoyed to be their May May. She was the youngest daughter of the late Milton and Geraldine Parks, and sister to Jerry and Richard Parks. Debbie will be remembered as a gentle warrior who taught those around her how to live with unquestioning faith in God’s goodness. A viewing will be held at Mason Dixon Baptist Church, 713 Campbell Road, New Freedom, Pa., from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 14 with a funeral to follow. Attendees will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Interment will follow in Middletown Cemetery, Freeland, Md. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center.